How to get your parents to let you go

Understand them: Parents at times are against your decisions because they think they have your best interests at heart. So it is critical to ascertain what exactly it is that makes them apprehensive. For instance, if you want to go and study abroad, they could be concerned about safety issues or feel that you are too naïve to face life alone in a foreign country. Knowing the exact reason can help you allay their fears and anxieties and assure them that there is nothing to worry. On the contrary, if you start adopting a defensive approach matters only get worse

Let them know that you are not alone: It always helps to introduce your parents (via email if not in person) to other Indian girls who are already studying in the university or college that you wish to study in. Hearing how these girls are facing and resolving everyday challenges, adjusting to a new environment and culture and gaining from the course can convince your parents that the opportunity will aid your overall growth and development. In addition, it always helps if you have any relatives in the city or town where your university is located

It’s all about passion: Finally, it always helps when you truly manage to convince your parents that the course that you want to pursue abroad is critical to your passion/ goals. In other words you should be able to tell them why you want to pursue a particular course and how it connects to the life that you envisage for yourself in the coming years

The tips above have been shared by Rashmi Sharma, a psychological counsellor who practises in Rohini